EPK | Shardwalk

/ʃɑːrdwɑːk/

The painful transition, realization and/or acceptance of a change of state - physically or mentally - that has taken place which can not be reversed

Shardwalk is here to change that

A sonic collision between the soaring iron of 80s heavy metal, heavy riffs and screaming guitar solos, the haunting textures of darkwave synth, and the visceral precision of modern metalcore. Founded in the heart of Oslo, the band weaves a tapestry of sound that feels simultaneously nostalgic and futuristic.

The Sound of the Future-Past

Back in the day there was almost a war waging between synth pop and heavy metal but these days synths have become a huge part of metal production. However not many, if any, bands have managed to capture the eerie and strange synth sounds and melodies of the 80s which are so familiar with the crushing metal production of recent years.

Long bio

The foundation of Shardwalk was laid by drummer Thomas Bergli and guitarist Geir Kildahl. Driven by a comon vision to bridge the gap between classic riff-driven metal and eerie 80s electronica they set out on their quest to find a way to present their idea to the world.

After years of meticulous sound-crafting and search for the perfect band members, the lineup reached its definitive form in 2025.

With the addition of Steinar Gundersen (Guitar), Frode Heiestad (Bass), and the hauntingly versatile Mikael Lillevold on vocals, Shardwalk emerged as a powerhouse of atmospheric aggression.

Inspired by the dark synth pop of the 80s but never leaving their roots in heavy metal. Their music moves seamlessly from soothing, low-register melodies to raw, soul-shattering screams, all backed by a wall of heavy riffs, cinematic synth-scapes and well crafted melodies that draw the listener in and never lets go.

Based in: Oslo, Norway

Genre: Atmospheric Synth Infused Modern Metal

FFO: Spiritbox, Muse, Rammstein, Depeche Mode

Short bio

Driven by a vision to bridge the gap between classic riff-driven metal and eerie 80s electronica Shardwalk emerged as a powerhouse of atmospheric aggression. Their music moves seamlessly from soothing, low-register melodies to raw, soul-shattering screams, all backed by a wall of heavy riffs and cinematic synth-scapes.

Biography

The wall between us

The Sound:
This track serves as the perfect introduction to Shardwalk’s "Future-Past" aesthetic. Opening with a cold, pulsating synth line reminiscent of 80s-era Eurythmics, the song quickly explodes into a wall of dual-guitar aggression. Mikael Lillevold’s vocals navigate the track with haunting precision—starting as a baritone whisper that pulls the listener into a dreamlike state before erupting into visceral, "soul-reverberating" screams during the climax.

The Vibe:
It is a heavy, rhythmic journey that feels like a neon-lit night in a dystopian city. It’s designed for fans who crave the nostalgia of classic heavy metal and the ethereal, genre-bending depth of modern metal.

Member
Mikael Lillevold
Geir Kildahl
Steinar Gundersen
Frode Heiestad
Thomas Bergli

Role
Vocals
Guitar/Synth
Guitar
Bass
Drums

The Line Up

Key Musical Elements

The Riffs: Drawing blood from the legends — inspired by the dual-guitars of metal bands from the 80s and with a focus on crafting riffs that will stand the test of time
The Atmosphere: Eerie, pulsating synth melodies inspired by the dark side of Synth Wave and Synth Pop of the 80s
The Modern Edge: Low-tuned intensity and ethereal production with the power and tightness of metal bands of today
The Live Experience: A high-concept audio-visual journey designed to create a deep, immersive connection between the audience and the "Shardwalk" universe.